Last living link to tragedy of HMAS Canberra I

On a still and cloudy afternoon, Leading Stoker Des Jones was laid to rest, carried to his gravesite on the shoulders of sailors from HMAS Canberra III.

CAPTION: Funeral Guard members, left to right, Leading Seaman Lindsey Young, Able Seaman Jake Clarke and Leading Seaman Bella Cummins, carry the coffin of Leading Stoker Des Jones, as Navy Chaplain David Hastie follows. Story by Lieutenant Commander Ben Robson. Photos by Lance Corporal Joseph Hess.

At 102, he was the last surviving member of the first HMAS Canberra I, sunk at the Battle of Savo Island during World War 2.

The peace during the funeral on August 15 at the Mulwala Lawn Cemetery was a far cry from that fateful day in which Canberra was struck more than 20 times by torpedoes and shellfire in less than two minutes.

Overseen by Navy Chaplain David Hastie from HMAS Penguin, with the Last Post played by Able Seaman Musician Andrew Bryce from HMAS Cerberus, the solemn ceremony was a fitting farewell to the last living link to the 1945 tragedy.

“It was a beautiful way to say goodbye to Grandpa Des. He would have loved it,” Mr Jones’ daughter-in-law Barbara Jones said after the funeral.

“The Navy was a big part of his life, he loved all the ceremony and would get to all the Anzac Days and Canberra memorials as he could.”

President of the HMAS Canberra/HMAS Shropshire Association Chris Johnston said Mr Jones would be remembered as “one of our most active members”.

“He was our rock star who met with television, radio and former governors-general,” Mr Johnston said.

The funeral also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific.

“We are remembering a sailor who fought for that victory,” Mr Johnston said.

“Amid the confusion, the noise, the explosions, Canberra could not fight back as there was no steam to work the guns.

“That living link to that tragedy has gone, but the spirit remains – fair winds and following seas, Des.”

As the crew laid poppies and a wreath on Mr Jones’ coffin, Commanding Officer Canberra III Captain David McPherson, on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), presented the family with an Australian White Ensign.

He said that his ship not only carried the name Canberra and her Battle Honours, but the legacy of those who had fought and given the ultimate sacrifice.

“There are members of my crew not much older than Mr Jones was when he volunteered to serve his country,” Captain McPherson said.

“He answered the call in Australia’s hour of need; he survived disaster in which many of his comrades did not; and he continued to serve his Navy and his nation until peace was won.

“Every day I see the spirit and the legacy of people like Des, through the dedication and commitment of the men and women who serve on-board Canberra and in the Royal Australian Navy today.”

Among the Funeral Guard was Leading Seaman Bella Cummins, who said it was an honour to volunteer.

“The team volunteered as a gesture of deep respect to the last remaining member of Canberra I, and to ensure his family and friends recognise the ongoing link between Mr Jones and the RAN,” Leading Seaman Cummins said.

“His sacrifices, stories and service history will have a lasting impact on all members of the Funeral Guard, and members of HMAS Canberra III.”

To his family he was Grandpa Des; to the Navy he embodied the spirit of courage and sacrifice of all those who serve.

Mr Jones passed away in Yarrawonga, Victoria, on August 6, three days shy of the anniversary of the sinking of Canberra I.

He is survived by three children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

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